The Reality Of Men’s Mental Health Month

As June comes to a close and time slips away, I want to emphasize that Mental Health remains a very real issue that isolates men everywhere. The statistics on suicide are staggering and underscore the reality of this stigma. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide. Men are less likely to seek professional help. Even more heartbreaking, many of the men who die by suicide had actually talked to a therapist. Tragically, it wasn’t enough.

As a therapist, I recognize the imperfections in our healthcare system. It’s important to acknowledge these shortcoming and strive for improvement. Additionally, I also believe that we all can do better.

Depression doesn't always present itself as you might expect. It could be the guy who always has a smile on his face, or the friend who seems irritable but says ‘I’m fine.’ Sometimes, it is your friend who 'hasn’t seemed themselves lately,' and occasionally, it's the friend who has the perfect life and you’d never expect it.

Recognizing these signs and reaching out can make a world of difference, and could even save their life. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but fostering genuine and authentic relationships that allows for vulnerability and support are crucial starting points.

Let's remind everyone that it’s okay to not be okay. Let’s acknowledge that everything is not fine. Let’s live in the real world and accept that sometimes things are shitty. Only once we accept the entirety of our reality, can we then start to rebuild what’s missing.

So, as we move beyond Men's Mental Health Month, keep an eye on those around us. Let’s be brave and ask hard questions. Let’s let other people know that they matter to us. It’s important.